Charles LeclercGeorge RussellMax VerstappenOscar Piastri 
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen makes ‘BS’ claim as Lando Norris delivers lap of the GodsLando Norris achieved an impressive pole position at the Madring for the Spanish Grand Prix, narrowly beating Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. This performance came as a surprise, as Antonelli was considered the frontrunner for the pole before qualifying began. The Ferrari drivers, despite their strong expectations, ended up in fourth and fifth places, while George Russell rounded out the top six.
Max Verstappen criticized the new Madring circuit, labeling a claim about the lack of overtaking space as 'BS.' His comments reflect ongoing discussions about the circuit's design and its impact on racing dynamics. The qualifying session showcased the competitive nature of the field, with Norris's standout lap highlighting his potential in the championship.
RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via gpfans.comGianpiero Lambiase meets with McLaren's Zak Brown in MadridGianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's race engineer, was seen meeting with McLaren's Zak Brown in the Madrid F1 paddock. This meeting is part of McLaren's efforts to facilitate Lambiase's early arrival to the team.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 18:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris hailed for "sensational" Spanish GP pole after FP2 setback: "Found his beast mode"Lando Norris achieved a surprising pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix, receiving significant praise from fans for his performance. He narrowly edged out championship leader Kimi Antonelli by a mere 0.011 seconds, with Max Verstappen in third place. Norris's accomplishment was particularly impressive given that he missed most of the second free practice session due to a gearbox problem, which affected his preparation for qualifying.
Fans expressed their admiration for Norris's lap, describing it as 'sensational' and noting that he seems to have found a new level of confidence this season. The upcoming race is set to take place on September 13, highlighting the excitement surrounding Norris's recent form and the competitive nature of the event.
Motorsport.comSat 12 Sep · 18:23 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Spanish GP at Madring: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe Spanish Grand Prix at Madring will feature Lando Norris starting from pole position after a close qualifying session, where he narrowly edged out championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Max Verstappen will begin the race in third place, while George Russell qualified sixth, indicating a competitive field for the event.
The weather forecast for the race day predicts hot and dry conditions, with temperatures reaching around 32°C. This will pose challenges for teams regarding tire management and vehicle cooling as they adapt to the new circuit layout, which combines public roads with high-speed sections.Motorsport.comSat 12 Sep · 17:49 UTC
via Sky Sports F1'No idea what to expect’ – F1 braced for Madring debut race mysteryThe inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit is set to take place with Lando Norris starting from pole position. The race features a grid that includes Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton, all of whom are facing uncertainties regarding tyre degradation and overtaking opportunities on the new track.
Drivers have reported significant challenges with tyre management, particularly due to high degradation observed during practice sessions. As the race approaches, the leading competitors are strategizing on how to handle the potential for chaotic racing conditions, with the outcome likely hinging on tyre performance and the ability to overtake.
Sky Sports F1Sat 12 Sep · 17:47 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen explains focus for Spanish GP from P3Max Verstappen qualified in third position for the Spanish Grand Prix, which will take place at the newly introduced Madring circuit. Despite struggling in practice sessions, he managed to secure a strong qualifying result, finishing behind Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen highlighted that the team still has areas to improve, particularly in the final sector of the track.
Looking ahead to the race, Verstappen emphasized the importance of tyre management, anticipating a challenging race due to the demands on the tyres. He expressed a positive outlook on the team's performance and is eager to maximize their strategy during the event.
Formula1.comSat 12 Sep · 17:24 UTC
via gpfans.comVerstappen pleased with Red Bull's qualifying performanceMax Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his performance during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, securing third place on the grid. He noted that Red Bull's results exceeded expectations, particularly after a strong final run.gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 16:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell explains Madring qualifying strugglesGeorge Russell qualified sixth for the Spanish Grand Prix, falling short of expectations. He attributed his performance to issues encountered during the Q3 session, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli secured second place.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 16:31 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell recounts 'annoying' moment which wrecked Spanish GP qualifyingGeorge Russell experienced a frustrating qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix, where he initially placed third but ultimately finished sixth. His performance was hindered by a mistake at Turn 11, which caused him to lose valuable time on his final lap, allowing Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc to surpass him in the standings.
Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, is currently leading the drivers' championship, with a significant gap of 66 points over Russell. The Spanish GP marks a historic return to Madrid for Formula 1, as it has not been held in the capital since 1981.RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 16:02 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA launches double Mercedes investigation at Spanish Grand PrixThe FIA has initiated investigations into Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli following the qualifying session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. Russell faces scrutiny for not adhering to the race director's instructions when rejoining the track, while Antonelli is being examined for possibly driving too slowly during the session. Russell's provisional grid position is P6, and Antonelli will start from second place.
The investigations come at a critical time for both drivers, especially for Russell, whose championship hopes could be impacted. Antonelli's performance has been notable, having recently moved significantly ahead in the points standings. The outcome of these investigations may influence the dynamics of the race and the championship battle.
PlanetF1Sat 12 Sep · 15:45 UTC
via RaceFansStewards summon Antonelli, Russell and Leclerc over qualifying breaches | Formula 1The stewards have summoned three drivers, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc, for potential breaches of qualifying regulations. Russell is being investigated for not adhering to the proper procedure on an escape road, while both Antonelli and Leclerc are under scrutiny for driving too slowly between Safety Car lines during Q3.
Additionally, Carlos Sainz Jnr has been summoned for potentially impeding Valtteri Bottas. Other drivers noted for similar infractions were cleared, indicating a focused investigation on the actions of the summoned drivers.
RaceFansSat 12 Sep · 15:29 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURMcLaren seeks to sign Red Bull's Gianpiero LambiaseMcLaren is reportedly in discussions with Red Bull to secure Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's race engineer, ahead of the 2028 season. The team aims to expedite Lambiase's release as Red Bull prepares for a transition to a new engineer.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 13:40 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell just told Max Verstappen why he’s so wrong about Liam LawsonGeorge Russell has just proven why Max Verstappen was so wrong to point out Liam Lawson’s cameo at Red Bull as proof that F1’s 2026 ...
f1oversteer.comSat 12 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen details Red Bull’s true F1 engine reality after FIA ADUO verdictMax Verstappen has expressed concerns regarding the performance of Red Bull's F1 power unit compared to Mercedes, particularly after the Italian Grand Prix where he finished third. He noted a significant discrepancy in engine efficiency, stating that Red Bull struggles with energy deployment relative to Mercedes, which he likened to feeling like a 'turtle' during the race.
Verstappen's comments followed the FIA's announcement that Red Bull had the best engine according to the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) rankings. He emphasized that the FIA's assessment only considers the internal combustion engine and not the battery performance, suggesting that Red Bull may excel in one area while lagging in another. Ongoing discussions with the FIA aim to clarify these performance metrics.
CrashSat 12 Sep · 09:07 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull addresses serious issues with Max Verstappen's carMax Verstappen and Red Bull are currently facing significant challenges with the performance of his car. The team is actively working to resolve these issues as they prepare for upcoming races.RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 08:30 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star Charles Leclerc makes big admission after Lewis Hamilton peace talksCharles Leclerc has taken full accountability for his collision with Lewis Hamilton during the Italian Grand Prix, which led to Hamilton losing positions early in the race. Following the incident, both drivers engaged in discussions with Ferrari management to address the situation and maintain team harmony.
Leclerc expressed his respect for Hamilton and acknowledged that their competitive nature sometimes leads to conflicts on the track. After the crash, Leclerc was monitored for any injuries but confirmed he was fit to compete in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.gpfans.comSat 12 Sep · 08:15 UTC
via Motorsport WeekHamilton urges Ferrari to close gap to MercedesLewis Hamilton acknowledged the need for Ferrari to improve its performance to catch up with Mercedes and McLaren. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc expressed optimism about Ferrari's advancements despite recognizing that they remain behind their competitors.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via F1iRussell highlights worrying prospect for race day at MadringGeorge Russell expressed concerns about tyre degradation after the first day of practice at the new Madring circuit in Madrid. He noted that the track's unique characteristics could lead to significant thermal stress on the tyres, making race day a challenge for all teams. Russell's performance varied, as he topped the first practice session but slipped to fifth in the second due to set-up adjustments.
Mercedes' deputy team principal, Bradley Lord, echoed Russell's concerns, highlighting that the continuous cornering sequences on the track might lead to unexpected thermal effects on the tyres. With limited long-run data due to a crash during FP2, teams are left uncertain about tyre performance for the race, raising the possibility of a race strategy focused on managing thermal degradation.
F1iSat 12 Sep · 07:38 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton blasted by F1 rival as Max Verstappen names potential Red Bull replacementLewis Hamilton faced criticism for his driving during the first practice session at the Madring, where several drivers experienced impediments on their hot laps. This incident has raised concerns ahead of the qualifying session scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Max Verstappen humorously suggested that he could be replaced at Red Bull by Robin Raikkonen, the son of former champion Kimi Raikkonen, who has just joined the team's junior program. Additionally, Charles Leclerc will have a power unit disadvantage compared to Hamilton due to Ferrari's decision to use a previously used engine, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his surprise at the possibility of Fernando Alonso retiring from Formula 1.gpfans.comSat 12 Sep · 06:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris to rely on Oscar Piastri information in Madrid 'backfoot' recoveryLando Norris faced a setback at the Spanish Grand Prix when he was unable to participate in the second practice session due to a gearbox failure on his McLaren. This issue forced him to miss a significant portion of practice time, which he acknowledged would put him on the back foot as he prepares for the race weekend.
To compensate for the lost time, Norris intends to analyze data from his teammate Oscar Piastri, who successfully completed the session and finished seventh. Piastri noted the challenges of mastering the new circuit and highlighted the importance of tire management, indicating that both drivers will need to work hard to improve their performance ahead of qualifying.RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 05:20 UTC
via grandprix.comVerstappen seeks qualifying speed after clean Madrid startMax Verstappen and Red Bull Racing had a productive first day at the Madring circuit, finishing fifth and sixth in the opening practice sessions. Despite a clean start, Verstappen expressed a desire for improved qualifying speed and a clearer understanding of tire performance over race stints, as the team prepares for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
Technical director Pierre Wache highlighted challenges with the road surface, particularly in the high-speed sections, which were bumpier than anticipated. As the team looks ahead to final practice, they aim to enhance the car's balance and speed to capitalize on any opportunities during the race.grandprix.comSat 12 Sep · 00:59 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURFerrari reportedly holds back Leclerc engine as a precautionFerrari made a strategic decision to use an earlier engine specification for Charles Leclerc during the Madrid race as a precaution. This choice was influenced by the limited time available for checks on his upgraded Monza engine following an accident at the Italian Grand Prix, where initial inspections revealed no significant issues.
The team aimed to maximize preparation time on the unfamiliar circuit by avoiding potential complications from engine problems. While the Monza engine is still considered recoverable, Ferrari has not confirmed when it will be back in service, nor have they abandoned the upgrade.grandprix.comSat 12 Sep · 00:58 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen reveals laid-back approach to 100-driver Silverstone challengeMax Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 champion, is set to participate in a unique challenge at Silverstone where he aims to overtake 100 go-karters in just 30 laps. Despite the daunting task of starting from the back of the grid, Verstappen has revealed that he has not prepared for the event and plans to simply show up and race. He expressed a laid-back attitude towards the challenge, stating he is unsure of the format and just intends to enjoy the experience.
The challenge has attracted comments from fellow drivers, including Charles Leclerc, who cautioned Verstappen about the potential risks of racing against a large number of less experienced drivers. Carlos Sainz also weighed in, suggesting that Verstappen could quickly move to the front based on his own karting experience. The event is expected to be both entertaining and challenging, showcasing Verstappen's skills against a diverse group of competitors.Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 22:26 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell shares childhood Silverstone connection and why he rejected bigger grandstandGeorge Russell has announced the launch of his own grandstand at Silverstone, set to debut in 2027. The George Russell Grandstand will be situated at Farm Curve, offering fans a three-day reserved seat along with an official T-shirt and access to various entertainment zones during the race weekend.
Russell explained his choice of the smaller grandstand, emphasizing that it provides the best view of multiple corners on the track. He also shared a nostalgic memory of attending Silverstone as a child in 2009, where he supported Sebastian Vettel, highlighting the significance of the circuit in his journey in Formula 1.Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 21:55 UTC